Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Source/Format: Netgalley (Thanks!) || e-galley
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]
Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots.
But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.
Colette knows her popular, status-obsessed friends won’t believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they uncover a shocking secret involving a dark, hidden history. When Colette realizes she herself may hold the key to the mystery, her own life is suddenly in danger. (Goodreads)
If I were to think about all the books I've read this year, Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer would stand out as one of the strangest. It was incredibly weird, but also entertaining. Basically, it was like a horror B movie -- you know there's a possibility that it might be ridiculous but you'll watch it anyway, just for kicks. While it left no substantial impression on me, I can at least admit to being distracted (in a good way) by the book.
Honestly, the one thing about this book that appealed to me personally were all the French touches - the history, the language, the tourist spots. From past posts, my readers will know that I love French culture and history, and the language, and dream of going to visit Paris one day. This novel had me desiring to brush up on my French skills.
The characters were no standouts, each falling into a stereotype: geeky, popular, poor girl taken in as a popular kid, nerdy tour guide, strict chaperone, rich kid. There was no particular reason to really care about their fates. After all, this book is fairly simple. All the elements were conveniently placed within the story to guide it towards the conclusion: the characters, the famous tourist spots, the clues to this mystery. It worked out the way a typical tween movie would -- which means it was predictable.
For a book with "serial killer" in the title, it's not a surprise that there's a lot of death. Still, it remains pretty light, as the blood and gore and murder are all glossed over quite nicely. It's a little morbid in certain parts, but nothing that would induce a nightmares.
If there is one statement to sum up my feelings towards Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer, it is this: it was fun while it lasted. I won't pretend that I didn't enjoy it, but it wasn't exactly the type of story that will stay with me forever. If you're looking for something that'll be a quick read and cheap entertainment, this novel would probably be a good bet.
I had the hardest time getting into this book. I finished it, but I sadly didn't find it as awesome as I wanted it to be. When I told that to my friend she got all mad and yelled IT IS CAMPY! IT WAS PERFECT! And I guess I wasn't in the mood for campy? I read it a few months ago and I can't remember anything. But you're right, it was fun for the few hours it took me to read it.
ReplyDeleteI think your friend is absolutely right -- it was definitely campy! I thought it was definitely to read. But it was also really ridiculous too! At least I was incredibly entertained.
DeleteThis book was soooo shallow. I wanted it to be fun, but I got pretty frustrated by all the characters. I pretty much loathed them because they were too one-dimensional and stereotypical. Nobody felt real. There was no depth to them.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the best part of this book is the French touches. I enjoyed the bits about the secret society because I find those fascinating. I just wish this book had more of that. I would definitely read an entire book about its history. :D
The French and historical bits were my favorite parts! Otherwise, this read was pretty much just fun and forgettable! I totally understand what you mean about those characters; none of them stayed with me after I had finished the book.
DeleteI got this one on Netgalley, but for some reason I have not felt compelled to pick it up yet. I have heard very little about it. Actually, yours is the first review I've read. I was hoping for something crazy exciting, but it sounds pretty meh. I'll still try it out, but I will lower my expectations. :)
ReplyDeleteSadly, it's really not all that exciting. I can't deny that it was a fun read, but really it's borderline ridiculous. Still, it's a great way to pass some time!
DeleteAhh, enjoyable yet not memorable. That's pretty much all but 20 books to me and you know how much I read, lol. I love everything yet only remember a handful of them.
ReplyDeleteI will say, like you, I love all things French. The French touches you mentioned (if I do decide to read this) will probably be the things that stick out to me as well.
Yes! If you're in the mood for something light and entertaining, this might be the ticket. You won't remember much after you've finished, but at least you'll be entertained!
DeleteI just got this one from Kristina at Gone Pecan, but I'm still looking forward to it! It sounds a LOT different from what I was actually expecting but a quick, fun, and relaxed read!
ReplyDeleteQuick, fun and relaxed? Definitely. It went by really quick, and I was pretty entertained. It's got ridiculous aspects to it, but if you're not going to take it too seriously, it should be fun!
DeleteThis was the oddest book I've read in a while. Not really what I was hoping it would be, but cute nonetheless. I did like the whole backstory about the society. And touring France.. so fun! Wish this one had been a little darker, but was a fun read for what it was!
ReplyDeleteIt was a very strange book! There were some great aspects - the secret society, France - but the others (like character and plot) were a fail for me. But it was still fun to read!
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